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NEST — Music Incubator (Palestine)
Open Call for Applications
Deadline: Sunday, January 12, 2025 (by the end of the day).
For inquiries: nest@jafraproductions.com
Duration: 5 months.
Format: Sessions held in-person and online.
Languages: Applications accepted in Arabic or English. Sessions conducted in both languages, with Arabic interpretation provided.
Application Form: Select your preference and click below.
Overview
What is NEST?
NEST is a 5-month music incubator empowering music creators across Palestine. Through tailored mentorship, production support, and networking, NEST enables artists to navigate the global music industry, connect with professionals, and amplify Palestinian music on a world stage. In its three stages, Global Beats, SoundLab, and Sustainable Future, NEST offers essential skills, strategic support, and clear paths for career advancement.
Who Should Apply?
Musicians, bands, collectives, and music production enthusiasts from all genres and locations across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, the 48 Area, and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Both emerging and established artists are welcome, especially those eager to collaborate and advance their careers.
What does NEST focus on?
NEST emphasizes understanding the global music ecosystem while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. The program empowers artists to shape their careers confidently and independently. Additionally, NEST promotes building a supportive music community, creating valuable networks among musicians and industry professionals both locally and internationally.
What does NEST provide?
NEST offers comprehensive support, including capacity-building workshops, mentorship, and networking with peers and industry experts. Participants benefit from production and showcasing opportunities, gaining spaces and guidance for presenting their work. NEST also provides long-term incubation to ensure sustained growth, with ongoing resources and support for continuous development.
Program Phases
Global Beats
A 4-week intensive with international and local experts, covering live music, recorded music, and publishing to give artists a global perspective for their careers.
SoundLab
Artists join a practical writing camp where they go through the full process of music production. With guidance from mentors, supervisors, and engineers, participants develop, produce, and refine their work to create final tracks ready for release. SoundLab is also an opportunity to showcase new music, gain live training, and connect with industry professionals. An external committee will review the work and select artists to move forward to the next phase.
Sustainable Future
In this last phase, artists receive strategic mentorship to pitch their music to labels and industry professionals, selecting deals that best match their vision and fostering sustainable career growth.
Application and Selection
Initial Evaluation
We will ensure your application form is complete with all required materials and a clear project vision. Only fully completed applications will move to the next stage.
Selection Process
An independent committee of music experts will select participants based on the clarity and direction of their musical projects, regardless of genre.
Note: Late applications or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Quotes from the last cycle
Speakers
“Great initiative responding to an essential local market need, leveraging high level of expertise and serving an untapped potential Arabic music segment that is yet to shine worldwide. Happy and grateful to be part of it.”
Dolly Makhoul — Believe
“NEST represents the diversity of the Palestinian music scene. What these young musicians have in common is their thirst for knowledge in all the aspects of the music field: recording, live, tech and first and foremost the awareness of their rights. I was proud to share my experience with such a talented and promising generation!”
Habib Achour — Sacem
Participants
“Thank you so much for leading us to the NEST program and special thanks to all the Jafra family for making this happen. I do believe we will make our Palestinian music industry grow one day and get our artists shining and loud.”
Moody Kablawi • HipHop, Funk
“Thank you so much for the great opportunity in letting us participate in your beautiful program which has proven to be extremely helpful.”
Osprey V Band member • Alternative Rock, Metal
“Thank you so much for all your hard work on this project, it has been such a soul enriching experience and I hope it continues!”
Ashira Prem Rashana • Sufi Soul
“Many thanks for all your effort in the NEST program and for the presentations. Truly valuable.”
Faris Ishaq • Oriental Jazz